Ministry of Transport $21.9 Million Vehicle Procurement Deal Faces Scrutiny Over Delays and Irregularities

  • By Owl
  • 21 December 2024
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The $21,908,500 vehicle procurement deal between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Transport and Aviation and West African Distribution Motors (WAD Motors) is facing mounting scrutiny following significant delays and an audit revealing irregularities that have raised alarms about the integrity of the process.

The contract, signed on February 17, 2023, was for the supply of 241 vehicles intended for public officials, including paramount chiefs and judges.

According to the terms of the contract, delivery was expected within a span of two to four months. However, by August 2024, only 45 vehicles had been delivered, leaving 196 vehicles still pending delivery, more than a year after the agreement was made.

An audit of the procurement process revealed several concerning discrepancies that have led to growing concerns about the handling of public funds and procurement practices. Key issues identified include missing vehicles, incomplete technical evaluations, and unverified ownership documents.

Auditors also pointed out that while the Ministry claimed certain procurement documents were reviewed, the evidence provided was deemed insufficient and not relevant to the ongoing process.

The Ministry of Transport and Aviation attempted to defend its position, stating that the audit had mistakenly reviewed the minutes from a different procurement process involving other government entities.

However, auditors countered this by stating that the minutes reviewed were identical to those previously examined, highlighting unresolved discrepancies in the list of suppliers and raising further questions about the transparency of the process.

In addition, the Ministry admitted that while bidding documents were reportedly included in the procurement file, they could not clearly identify them during the audit.

Auditors noted that crucial documentation was missing, including technical evaluations and proof of ownership for some vehicles, undermining the credibility of the contract management process.

With nearly $22 million at stake, the unresolved issues have sparked concerns about the Ministry’s ability to effectively manage public contracts. The auditors have recommended that the procurement committee chairman address the discrepancies immediately and ensure that all required documentation is submitted for review.

The ongoing delays and irregularities have raised serious questions about the government’s procurement practices and its commitment to accountability.

Without swift action to resolve these issues, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation risks further damaging public trust and attracting greater scrutiny from oversight bodies.

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